The stylohyoid process syndrome (Eagle's syndrome, calcified stylohyoid ligament syndrome can be a pain in the neck.
The stylohyoid ligament runs from the tip of the styloid process to the less cornu of the hyoid bone. It course may affect the hypoglossal nerve and carotid artery.
Clinical features:
(1) The patient has a history of trauma to the mandible and/or neck.
(2) Pain may be triggered by swallowing, opening the mouth, turning the head, or palpation of the stylohyoid ligament.
(3) The patient may complain of dizziness.
(4) The carotid artery and its branches may be tender to palpation due to the presence of an arteritis.
(5) Imaging studies show calcification of the stylohyoid ligament.
(6) Excision of the styloid process relieves the pain as does injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion.
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